Author: Our Correspondent

By Joyce Babayeju

In a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s development planning and reporting capacities, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has conducted an applied training on the Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit (IPRT).

The training, aimed to enhance the alignment of Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) with the global 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 took place from December 9–13, 2024.

This is contained in a statement sogned by Desmond Utomwen the SA Media, (OSSAP-SDGs)

According to the statement the training opened with remarks from Mr. Mohamed M. Fall, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, who emphasized the importance of harmonizing Nigeria’s development aspirations with global and regional agendas. “The Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit offers a powerful means to digitalize development plans, align them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, and foster more efficient tracking and reporting mechanisms,” said Mr. Fall.

Representing the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Dr. Bala Yunusa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to integrating innovative tools like the IPRT into its development strategy. “This initiative highlights Nigeria’s determination to align its national priorities with global and regional frameworks. The IPRT will enable planners across federal and state levels to integrate budgets with development strategies and monitor progress in real-time,” Dr. Yunusa said.

The training was facilitated by Ms. Rose Keffas, who guided participants through the IPRT’s functionalities and its potential to revolutionize planning processes at federal and state levels.
In his remarks, Mr Felix Okonkwo the Director of Macroeconomic Analysis at the Ministry of Budget and Planning, emphasized the importance of the IPRT, noting that the training is both timely and apt as Nigeria prepares for its next National Development Plan. “The IPRT provides an essential framework to ensure coherence between our national, regional, and global development aspirations. It is a critical tool as we transition into the next phase of development planning,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mrs. Oyebanke Abejirin commended Nigeria’s leadership in adopting the IPRT. “This innovative software was developed by UNECA to assist African countries in integrating the SDGs and Agenda 2063 into national development plans while ensuring harmonized reporting and evaluation,” she explained. She praised Nigeria’s proactive efforts, particularly through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Office of the SSAP-SDGs, in addressing challenges such as climate change, post-COVID-19 recovery, and geopolitical disruptions.
Dr. Tony Muhumuza, Senior Economic Adviser for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, reiterated UNDP’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development journey. “UNDP is fully committed to working alongside the Government of Nigeria to harness innovative solutions like the IPRT. This toolkit offers an opportunity to embed sustainability into development planning and strengthen monitoring for measurable outcomes,” Dr. Muhumuza remarked.
Representing the Statistician General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, Anne Ibrahim delivered remarks on the status of SDG indicators reporting. She outlined key achievements, including improved data collection mechanisms and partnerships that have bolstered Nigeria’s ability to track progress on SDG targets. “Nigeria has made significant strides in building robust statistical systems for SDG reporting,” she said. However, she acknowledged lingering challenges, such as funding gaps, capacity deficits, and data accessibility at sub-national levels. “We must leverage tools like the IPRT to address these challenges, ensuring data-driven decision-making and accountability,” she concluded.

Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwole, Assistant Director at AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, emphasized the relevance of the IPRT for achieving Agenda 2063’s aspirations. “The IPRT is a vital instrument for aligning national development plans with regional and continental priorities. By leveraging this toolkit, Nigeria can enhance its capacity to plan, implement, and report on development initiatives,” she remarked. She further connected the IPRT to Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes economic growth, infrastructure development, human capital development, and improved governance.

Participants left the workshop equipped to align the NDP (2021–2025) with the SDGs and Agenda 2063, integrate financial and development planning, and enhance monitoring and evaluation systems. This initiative is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward achieving sustainable development and addressing systemic challenges in planning and reporting.

This collaborative effort underscores Nigeria’s leadership in adopting innovative approaches to sustainable development, setting a benchmark for capacity-building across Africa.

By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa

A 16 year old 200 level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ojedele Jesuferanmi Emmanuel has emerged as the winner of the 8th Award and Prize giving Ceremony of Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, 2024.

Ojedele was declared the winner among ten national finalists in an event held at NCDMB, Tower, Oxbow Lake road, Swali, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Delivering a keynote address, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe noted that the NCDMB has sustained the essay competition for several years to inculcate the local content consciousness among undergraduates in higher institutions.

Engr. Ogbe who was represented by the General Manager Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination NCDMB Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile said, the sponsorship of the competition is in line with the board mandate, which is capacity-building and local content development.

“The NCDMB began to sponsor this competition because we understood the need to inculcate Local Content consciousness among undergraduates in our higher institutions, to make them understand that Local Content is an economic imperative for sustainable development of our local economy, creation of job opportunities and national security.

“Furthermore, the annual national undergraduates’ essay competition is one of NCDMB’s multiple interventions to lift the standard of education in Nigeria. It aims to promote proficiency in writing, awareness of local content and its benefit to the national economy, and to engender citizen engagement from undergraduate level.

“Through this programme, the Board seeks to promote liberal arts education, and the development of vital soft skills required in the workplace and business in the emerging digital world economy

“The programme will help to enhance effective communication, analytical and critical thinking skills as well as problem-solving abilities in our undergraduates. More specifically, we hope that this program will continue to generate interest and awareness about the criticality of Nigerian content law and philosophy in the oil and gas sector as a national economic agenda for job creation, poverty reduction, industrial development and inclusive economic growth. As a Board, we are committed to capacity development of Nigerians and the development of opportunities for our communities

“We have built a strong and reputable brand and every project we get involved in must be excellent, professional and world-class.

“The topic for this year is Nigerian Content and Opportunities in African Local Content Advancement. This is another well-conceived topic considering that most African countries are understudying Nigeria in the implementation of Local Content”.

“Our sponsorship of this competition is in line with our mandate which is capacity building and local content development, we have sponsored this for 8 years because of the huge importance we attach to education and intellectual development of young members of our society”

Chairman of the occasion, Executive Secretary, Bayelsa State Educational Development Trust Fund, Dr Mrs Alice Atuwo represented by Mrs Adombari Tawari congratulated all the finalists for their hard work and doggedness which made them part of the top ten finalists in the essay competition.

Mrs Tawari used the occasion to caution the youths particularly the undergraduates to resist all forms of distraction and focus on reading and studying inorder to achieve academic success.

In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer, Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, Mr Eyinimi Omorozi pointed out that the competition is an academic exercise to create awareness for youths to use their talents and skills in local content participation.

“The competition promotes academic excellence, to help our youths develop themselves, build capacity and competence inorder to take advantage of the opportunities in the oil and gas industry in the country”

The winner, Ojedele Jesuferanmi Emmanuel expressed appreciation to God, his family and everyone who supported him.

He advised other undergraduates to make use of the opportunities given by NCDMB by submitting their entries for the essay competition.

By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa

Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, says the state government is intensifying efforts to establish independent power plants to ensure stable power supply in the state.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this on Monday in a meeting with the leadership of Imiringi Community and some stakeholders of Ogbia Local Government Area, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo said government was partnering some Chinese investors to site a power plant by the existing gas turbine belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at Elebele that would generate about 60,000 Mega Watts.

In statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, the Acting Governor informed that efforts were underway to refurbish the state-owned Imiringi gas turbine in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that “when the turbine comes on stream, it is expected to supply electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas”, while the second plant would serve Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas to do away with the current total dependence on the national grid.

According to him, subsequently government will provide a third power plant to generate and distribute electricity to Nembe, Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas in line with the Senator Douye Diri-led administration’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda in the power sector.

His words: “We are working hard to see how we can get independent power. We are working with some investors to get another power plant by the Elebele Gas Turbine that belongs to the Local Content which will generate about 60,000 Mega Watts to cover about 3 or 4 local government areas.

“And the plant at Imiringi, when refurbished will supply electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas to resolve the problem of epileptic power from the national grid.”

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who offered an unreserved apology to the people of Imiringi over the power ministry’s attempt to move out the turbine transformers for refurbishment without properly notifying the community, attributed it to communication gap between the Elebele community and government.

He described the incident as ‘a regrettable action’ on the part of government and thanked Imiringi people for their understanding, stating that government’s intention was to take out the transformers to refurbish them and bring them back to improve power supply in the state.

“Government’s intention was to take the transformers out for refurbishment and see how we can start the gas turbine but our intention was misunderstood.

“We take full responsibility for the communication gap, because of the exigencies of government, we could not adequately inform the community of government’s intention to take out the facility for refurbishment. On behalf of the government, we apologise for the mix up which almost cost a near fracas.”

Speaking on behalf government officials from Ogbia, the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly and member representing Ogbia Constituency 2, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, thanked the Acting Governor for his prompt intervention in the matter, adding that, as part of government they could not afford to be antagonistic to constituted authority.

In his remarks, spokesman of the Imiringi Community and retired Director in the Ministry of Environment, Chief Naru Okpu, expressed gratitude to Acting Governor for convening the meeting.

Chief Okpu, who described the Kolo Creek gas turbines as one of the legacies of the late Chief Melford Okilo, expressed confidence in the present administration’s commitment to restoring electricity to the area in particular and the state in general.

The state Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Gabriel Elaigwu, the Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Oluremi Obolo, Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Mr Jeremiah Golden, the Governor’s Special Representative and Secretary of Ogbia Brotherhood, Dr Christian Ikuli, Paramount Ruler of Imiringi Community, His Royal Highness Lucky Chukwuigwe, amongst others, attended the meeting.

From Abel Zwànke, Lafia

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, at the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week, called for unity amongst the Igbo extraction as a significant move aimed at addressing pressing issues within the Igbo community.

The week long event with the theme: “Strengthening Igbo Unity: The Quest for the Creation of a New State in the South-East,” brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural groups to chart a path for the region’s development and unity.

In a statement by his media consultant, Mike Ogah and made available to Journalists on Saturday, Senator Nwoko stressed the imperative of unity among the Igbo people, urging them to come together to achieve their collective social, economic, and political aspirations.

According to the federal Lawmaker, a unified front is critical for addressing the region’s developmental challenges and securing equitable representation within Nigeria’s federal structure.

Focusing on the need for the creation of a new state in the South-East, Senator Nwoko articulated how the current political configuration does not sufficiently address the unique needs and interests of the region, calling for strategic collaboration among stakeholders to advocate for the establishment of an additional state, which he believes will help ensure the equitable distribution of resources and foster sustainable development.

Expanding on his vision, Senator Nwoko highlighted the specific demand for the creation of Anioma State to represent the people of Delta North more effectively. He argued that the establishment of Anioma State would enhance political inclusion, boost socio-economic opportunities, and secure a stronger platform for his constituents to advance their developmental goals.

“The creation of Anioma State is not just a political agenda; it is a necessity for justice and equity,” Senator Nwoko asserted. “Anioma deserves a voice that can better articulate its aspirations, and this aligns perfectly with the larger Igbo quest for balanced representation and sustainable progress.”

The Senator also reaffirmed his commitment to championing regional equity, urging all Igbo stakeholders to rally behind this cause. He noted that cultural unity and collective advocacy are pivotal in realizing this vision.

The event received wide acclaim, with participants lauding Senator Nwoko’s efforts in promoting Igbo unity and advocating for Anioma State. Many praised his passionate address as a clarion call to action for all Igbo sons and daughters.

As the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week concluded, it left attendees inspired and committed to advancing the ideals of equity, development, and unity. Senator Nwoko’s participation reinforced his position as a prominent voice for regional progress, as he continues to work tirelessly toward creating a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The Executive Secretary Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr.Omatsola Ogbe has charged journalists and other media stakeholders to report the facts behind the Nigerian Content performance resounding success in in-country value addition to citizens in the oil and gas industry.

Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Manager Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile gave the charge at a one day workshop with the theme ” The Role of the Media In Maintaining the Tempo of Nigerian Content Implementation” on Monday, December, 2024″ in Port Harcourt.

He said the Board appreciate the role of the mass media for disseminating information to educate the populace which he stated informed the board to organize the workshop to keep practitioners abreast with its activities.

The Executive Secretary hinted that NCDMB will clock 15 years in 2025 stressing that the board has moved Nigerian Content from less than five per cent in 2010 to 56 percent in the oil and gas industry and have
in every N100 spent in the industry by operators and service companies, N56 is now retained in-country in terms of value addition. with a target to be at 70 per cent by 2027.”

He promised to support journalists to cover the board activities effectively.

The Executive Secretary, noted that the integration of host communities into the oil and gas supply chain is very critical as an enablers of the strategic goal of 70 percent by 2027.

He emphasized that the Board has reviewed upwards its Community Contracting Financing Scheme to enable contractors in host communities to secure and execute reasonable contracts in the oil and gas industry by raising
the single obligor from N20 million to N100 million which, he explained, “gives local contractors more opportunities to access higher figures which will minimise and completely eliminate conflicts, create a peaceful and harmonious operating environment for oil and gas companies.

The workshop featured paper presentations and two sessions panel discussion. The first presentation entitled “Implementing Nigerian Content New Contracting Guidelines” by Engr. Bashir Ahmed, a Supervisor of the Project Certification and Authorisation Directorate (PCAD), NCDMB, which focused on foundational facts of NCDMB and its operations, such as Mandate and Mission Statement, Necessity for a Local Content Framework, a Regulatory Framework, Ministerial Regulations, Presidential Directives, and Guidelines.

Goals of the Presidential Directives, according to Government, include reducing the time it takes to conclude oil and gas contracts, eliminating intermediaries, and developing processes to verify and document in-country capabilities, reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Cost and Timeline aimed to hold the board and operators to strict reviews and approval timelines,”.

He pointed out that “Timelines were never alien to NCDMB,” as the Board had introduced and put into use service-level agreements (SLAs) years ago
aimed at protecting companies with investments in-country and eliminating briefcase agents, carry out capacity audit of key segments of the industry to eliminate intermediaries.

Mrs.Tassala Tersugh who is the General Manager Mainstream of NCDMB in her presentation titled “Nigerian Content Measurement Metrics and 10-Year Strategic Road Map,” stated that performance monitoring is based on “monitoring progress against Nigerian Content commitments and the NOGICD Act.” while compliance monitoring, on the other hand, is checking compliance with statutory requirements.

Mr.Lekan Otufodunrin in presentation focused “Purpose-driven Journalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,”, talked on the value Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings to the work of the journalist and how to deal with limitations for efficient job performance.

Mr.Lekan, a former Editor of Punch and a career coach stated that “If you have data, AI can analyse it for you”and sift data and give content; AI tools would “generate images, videos, photos, transcribe, and turn text to audio while stating that the tools cannot replace the individual’s capacity to think.

He urged Journalists to acquire appropriate skills and knowledge to make the best of AI, saying that AI would enhance content sourcing and production..

Those on the panel discussions, were Engr. Bashir Ahmed and Mrs. Tassala Tersugh, with the moderator Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, Deputy Manager, Corporate Communications, examined what it would take to achieve the 70% target for Nigerian Content by 2027.

The second panel session featured Professor Diri Teilanyo and Dr. Doubra Timi-Wood moderated by Dr Ezeobi
Media practitioners and stakeholders from over 90 media organisations attended the workshop.

Key Management staff at the workshop included Mr. James Eyetigha, Zonal Coordinator, Delta And Edo States and Dr. Emma Ohanere, Zonal Coordinator, Abia and Imo States.

By Kumo Agber

The Capital Sportiff Six-Team Football Tournament delivered another exhilarating day of action on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as Group B teams showcased skill, grit, and determination. Held at the New Capital International School Sports Arena in Asokoro, Abuja, the tournament has solidified its reputation as a platform for grassroots football excellence and community bonding.

The tournament, organized by Capital Sportiff Sports Club, aims to develop grassroots football, engage youth in sports, and discover emerging talent in Abuja and beyond.

Additionally, it seeks to promote camaraderie and foster community spirit, making football a unifying force for diverse groups.

With a carefully structured format, the six teams are divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. Now approaching its climax, the grand finale is set for Saturday, December 14, 2024, where the tournament champion will be crowned.

The day opened with Team PU/Rex claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over UGKM FC. The decisive moment came when Amos made a dazzling run to beat the offside trap. Though his initial attempt was saved by the UGKM goalkeeper, the rebound fell kindly, allowing Amos to slot it home with ease.

In the second game, Team Zone 4 FC, Tunduwada secured a vital 1-0 win against UGKM FC. The team’s strong tactical play and a well-timed goal kept them in contention for the finals.

The final match of the day ended in a tense 0-0 draw during regulation time, setting the stage for a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Team PU/Rex emerged victorious with a 7-6 scoreline, thanks to a critical penalty save by goalkeeper Oti Pius and a composed final strike by Ambrose Okosun (Skippo Lala).

With their victories, Team PU/Rex topped Group B and advanced to the finals, where they will face Group A leaders Team AVM/Apugo. Meanwhile, Group B runners-up Team Zone 4 FC will compete against Capital City FC, the Group A runner-up, in the third-place match. Both games will be played on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the New Capital International School Sports Arena.

Prince Leonard Ocheuje, President of Capital Sportiff Sports Club: “This is a great eye-opener. The progress so far has exceeded expectations. The level of commitment and interest is incredible, and the games have been fiercely competitive. It’s not been easy for any team, which is a testament to the quality of the tournament. We’re already considering expanding this into a full-blown annual event. It’s been fantastic, and we’re truly enjoying every moment.”

Oga Vincent, President, Team Zone 4, Tunduwada stated: “I thank God for the success of the game. We all fought hard, and we all won because football has no losers—just one team that comes out on top. Penalty shootouts are a game of luck, and this time, luck wasn’t on our side.”

His colleague, Felix Onyemachi (Karika), Coach, Team Zone 4 reiterated his position: “The game was good, but you can’t win them all. Losing on penalties is tough, but that’s football. Kudos to the organizers for a well-executed tournament. We’ll come back stronger next time.”

Speaking on his heroic display, Oti Pius, Goalkeeper of Team PU/Rex stated that “Saving penalties is always thrilling, and I’m glad I could help my team. I told my teammates to score their shots while I handled the rest. God has been with me in moments like this, and I’m grateful for the victory.”

Though the games didn’t go their way, the UGKM officials were still satisfied with the efforts of their players as echoed by their President, Segun Fiki, President.

“Our team played well. Their fitness and understanding of the game were evident, but football can sometimes be unpredictable. Despite the challenges, we gave it our best.”

Edo Boy, Team Manager, UGKM also shared Fiki’s views.

“We had a good game, but injuries and match fitness issues affected us. We came, we saw, but we didn’t conquer. There’s always next time.”

Basking in his victory, the triumphant Paul Danjuma Okpo, Coach of Team PU/Rex praised his team and the display of the worthy opponent.

“The teams we faced were strong, and they challenged us at every turn. But we prepared well and are determined to go all the way to win the finals. Respect to all the teams, and we’re looking forward to the final clash.”

With the stage set for the final showdown, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the culmination of what has been a6 spectacular tournament. The finals between Team PU/Rex and Team AVM/Apugo, alongside the third-place match, promise thrilling football and memorable moments.

The Capital Sportiff Six-Team Football Tournament continues to fulfill its objectives of uniting communities, promoting grassroots talent, and fostering a love for football in Nigeria. The grand finale on December 14, 2024, is not to be missed.

From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Bayelsa chapter has emphasized the urgent need for legal frameworks to protect women amid climate change’s impacts.

Chief Judge Hon. Justice Matilda Ayemieye state this recently at 2024 Law Week, themed “Legal Protection and Enforcement of the Rights of Women: Tackling Climate Change.”

Justice Ayemieye represented by Hon. Justice Timi Songi emphasized that the rights of women must be protected in a safe environment that is crucial in the fight against climate change.

“By nature, women’s rights are peculiar, they are gender rights, gender based violence is increasingly alarming so there’s a need to constantly talk about the protection of women and children,’ she noted.

She called on all relevant stakeholders to increase advocacy of laws that protect women’s rights particularly in the rural areas in the face of climate changes.

Also speaking, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Biriyani Dambo represented by Hon Peretimi Peterside pointed out that there is a need for all to be committed to advancing the cause of women’s rights by engaging in discussions that promote legal reforms aimed at advancing women’s rights.

Attorney General Hon. Biriyani Dambo therefore, called for commitment to advancing women’s rights through legal reforms.

Delivering a lecture on the theme, Associate Dean, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Professor Samuel Dike stressed the need for educating women as an empowerment to deal with climate change crisis.

Professor Dike urged women to assert their rights by increasing their participation in governance, politics and decision making process.

“In a climate change induced environment, women and children suffer more, it affects right to quality life, dignity of women, increase in diseases caused by heat, it exacerbate hunger, it make women more vulnerable and increases GBV due to conflicts”

He called for partnership and cooperation regionally and globally, strengthening international laws to improve the rights of women to access the benefits of climate change.

In a goodwill message, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Yenagoa Branch, Barrister Somina Johnbull commended the executive members of FIDA Bayelsa State for organizing the event and the ingenuity of the discussions aimed at protecting and preserving the rights of women and children in the state.

In her welcome address, Chairperson, FIDA Bayelsa State chapter, Deme Debra Pamosoo, Esq noted that they would continue to advocate for legislation that would promote the advancement and protection of women and children as their wellbeing depends on the happiness of the home and the strength of the society.

She expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa state government, the Police, Ministry of Justice, GRIT, NGOS, International donors and all other stakeholders who have assisted FIDA to achieve their goals and objectives in the last three years.

Pamosoo, expressed gratitude to stakeholders like Woman organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, (WOMAN), Starz Safety Initiative, SSI and several others, supporting their advocacy efforts.

From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

To mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism and World Human Rights Day, the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), in collaboration with various civil society organizations, launched a sensitization campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls in Bayelsa State.

The sensitization campaign which had participants with different placards with inscriptions, ‘Say no to violence against Women and Girls’, ‘#no excuses’, ‘Time to take action is now’ began from Berger fly over bridge, terminated at Oxbow lake community.

It reports that, this initiative underscores the commitment to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and promote community involvement in combating this pressing issue.

Mr. Moses Oleh, the State Program Manager for CCCRN, emphasized that the 16 Days of Activism is a crucial period for fostering awareness and collective action against GBV.

“In Bayelsa, significant strides have been made to reduce both GBV and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). We are on the streets to collectively support the government and collaborate with all partners in the fight against all forms of violence against women and girls,” he stated.

The campaign also called upon men to play an active role in supporting efforts to end violence against women, highlighting that they should protect their partners and daughters from all forms of abuse. Mr. Oleh’s message resonates with broader calls for male engagement in gender equality initiatives.

Mrs. Felicia Owei, Director of the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment, and Social Development, reiterated the campaign’s goal of educating women about their rights.

She noted that collaboration with relevant stakeholders is essential to ensure that more women are informed about the dangers of GBV, particularly in rural areas.

“We are creating awareness so that people understand that violence against women and girls is unacceptable. Practices such as sexual harassment, rape, wife battery, and harmful widowhood practices must be eliminated,” she asserted.

The campaign encourages women and girls to seek help when faced with violence, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing these issues.

Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, urged victims to report cases of defilement and violence to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.

Nnachi noted that, the 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that began on November 25 and concludes on December 10. It aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocate for its eradication globally.

She said, “this year’s campaign in Bayelsa State reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to combat violence against women and girls.

“As communities come together to support this cause, there is a renewed hope that increased awareness and education will lead to tangible changes in attitudes and behaviors regarding gender-based violence.

“The ongoing commitment from both governmental and non-governmental organizations is crucial in ensuring that women feel safe and empowered within their communities.”

The road walk for this campaign included participation from various organizations such as BANGOF, GRIT, Heartland Alliance, and other community-based organizations (CBOs), demonstrating a united front against GBV.